An unidentified disease killed 143 people in Democratic Republic of Congo’s southwestern Kwango province in November, sparking concerns among local authorities and health officials. The outbreak is centered in the rural Panzi health zone, where limited access to medical supplies has complicated the response.
Provincial health minister Apollinaire Yumba and deputy governor Remy Saki reported that victims presented with flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headaches, cough, and anemia. A local epidemiologist noted that women and children have been most severely affected by the illness.
Civil society leader Cephorien Manzanza told Reuters that the situation is extremely concerning because of the rising number of infections. Medicine shortages in the rural health zone have forced many sick individuals to remain at home without treatment.
The World Health Organization confirmed it was alerted to the outbreak last week and is now working with Congo’s public health ministry to investigate the disease. A medical team has been deployed to the Panzi health zone to collect samples and conduct analysis to identify the pathogen.
The outbreak adds to Congo’s existing health challenges, as the country is already struggling with a significant mpox epidemic that has resulted in over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 suspected deaths.
Provincial authorities have advised residents to avoid contact with deceased bodies to prevent potential contamination while calling for international support to address the medical supply shortage.
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